Remembering dates is not the easiest thing, especially when you’re a homeowner with so much on your plate. But here’s the thing – knowing your water heater’s age is actually pretty important. Why? Well, if it’s been around for a while, it might be nearing the end of its lifespan. Trust us, you don’t want to be caught off guard when it decides to retire and you’re left scrambling for a replacement. So, it might be a good idea to find out just how old your water heater is, just to be prepared.
Want to find out how old your water heater is? Here are some simple steps from Canal Winchester Plumbing & Drain to help you figure it out.
HOW LONG DO WATER HEATERS LAST?
On average, a gas water heater that’s been well-maintained can last anywhere from 8 to 12 years, while an electric water heater can typically go for about 10 to 15 years if it’s been well taken care of. Of course, a unit’s lifespan depends on how it’s been treated and maintained over the years.
HOW DO YOU KNOW HOW OLD YOUR WATER HEATER IS?
To determine the age of your unit, you’ll need to find the manufacture date. But here’s the thing – most water heater models don’t have the manufacture date clearly labeled on the unit. So, don’t expect to find the words “manufacture date” spelled out by letter on the unit. It’s good to keep in mind that it is usually coded within the serial number, and it might differ depending on the brand and model.
Step One:
- The Product Label: Just check out the product label on the water heater. It usually has all the info you need about the unit. And yeah, you should find the serial number printed right there.
- The User Manual: Next, give the user manual a shot. If you happen to have the user manual that came with the water heater, it might have some info on where to locate the serial number.
- The Manufacturer’s Website: Finally, check the manufacturer’s website. If you still haven’t found the serial number physically, you can visit their website and look at the support or product information section. They should have some guidance on how to find the serial number.
Step Two:
- Once you’ve found the serial number, the next thing you want to do is decode it to find the manufacture date. Now, keep in mind that different manufacturers have different formats for their serial numbers, but most of them follow a similar pattern. Basically, the serial number has the date of manufacture embedded in it.
- The easiest thing you can do is to check the manufacturer’s website and see if they have a decoding tool for finding the manufacture date. If not, you can use your online detective skills by entering your water heater’s brand, serial number, and the words “manufacture date” on your favorite search engine. You should find several websites that give you step-by-step instructions on decoding your specific model’s manufacture date.
ARE YOU DUE FOR A NEW WATER HEATER?
Great job! You did it! Now that you’ve figured out how old your water heater is, are you thinking it might be time for a replacement soon? There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to your replacement options. So, let us help lighten your load! We’re here to answer any questions you have or even chat about our financing options. What are you waiting for? Give us a call today!
Call Canal Winchester Plumbing & Drain today at (614) 490-7531, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!